Does that make him better than Peavy? The biggest — and perhaps only — question regarding Sheets is his health. If he’s healthy, he could easily be the catch of the season and demand one of those $100+ million contracts.

The fly in the ointment is that he’s not healthy, wasn’t available to the Brewers in the off-season and has thrown more than 157 innings only once (last year) since 2004. And, in fact, for all the hoopla surrounding the Louisiana native, Sheets has won more than 12 games only once in his career.

Last season, he did pitch more innings (198 1/3) with more wins (13), more strikeouts (158), better ERA (3.09) and complete games (5) than normal.

But it was his walk year and I have to wonder if Sheets didn’t really suck it up and battle through lots of pain just to get the numbers up. And he wasn’t available at perhaps the most important time of the season.

But that “negative” of injury could also be a plus for the Astros, which may be one of the choices of destination for Sheets.

Since he was hurt and because questions still abound concerning his health, he won’t command that $100+ million salary and could fit nicely into the Astros’ budget. Ed Wade could negotiate an incentive-laden deal based on two or three years with a base salary of $8-10 million.

But the question remains: Is he worth it? Are Jeff Passan and others right when they suggest that Sheets is one of the best pitchers in the game when he’s healthy? Is he better than a .500 pitcher (86-83 career)? Would he make a huge difference between Roy Oswalt and Randy Wolf? Is this the #2 pitcher the Astros may be looking for?

The bigger question may be: Can the Astros afford to spend a ton of money and a first round draft pick on a player who didn’t finish the ’08 season?

Look, I’ve watched as much baseball as anyone. I’ve played the game, coached the game, written about the game. I recognize that Ben Sheets is a good pitcher and that he indeed may be one of the better pitchers in the league.

But there’s one head scratcher when it comes to Sheets that puzzles me. Why has he never had that break out season? Where is that one season with 20 wins or that microscopic ERA or Cy Young runnerup?

He’s received Cy Young votes in only one season, in 2004 when he was 12-14.

So while Sheets may be one of the best options for Wade and the Astros this off season and he may have support in the clubhouse, the 30-year-old former first round pick still has much to prove on his next contract.

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After re-signing LaTroy Hawkins to a $3.25 million deal last week, the Astros are making a run to re-sign Doug Brocail, despite declining his $3 million+ option recently.

You have to guess that Geoff Geary will return, along with Wesley Wright and Chris Sampson, right? And, it’s likely that Wade will pick up another reliever or two to bring to spring training, not to mention that Tim Byrdak is still on the radar.

So, is Wade planning for life without Jose Valverde? Would you trust the ninth inning to Brocail and Hawkins or a committee that could include players like Fernando Nieve or Felipe Paulino?

Would the Astros trade Valverde, then attempt to pick up a player like Trevor Hoffman or maybe even trade for Huston Street, whom the Rockies may be looking to deal?